A new partnership between the American Cancer Society and the International Association of Fire Fighters will work to improve policies and treatment for firefighters with cancer.
The IAFF, or firefighter’s union, describes the new partnership as pivotal in their battle with cancer.
The collaboration was announced Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 in New York City but will impact union firefighters nationwide and across North Carolina. Together the two agencies hope to create more research opportunities and culture changes, while working to limit a firefighter’s exposures to toxins. It will also provide patient support for instance, rides to treatment or housing if treatment takes a firefighter out of state. It comes as more and more fire departments feel the impact of cancer cases.